Heads up: It’s peak blueberry season. And no doubt you’ve heard that blueberries are totally beneficial super foods with almost magical health benefits. Well, it’s true. They’re considered “brain food,” with the ability to fight toxic proteins, and can harness their crazy-good antioxidants to fight harmful molecules and potential infections (so long, UTIs!). With all these benefits, and the United States’ role as the world’s largest supplier, there’s an entire month— July—dedicated to their greatness. Do you need more reasons to eat them? If so, here goes. Skip to the end for blueberry recipes, if you’re already convinced.
1. Digestive health. Blueberries have high fiber content. Enough said.
2. Weight loss support. That fiber also increases your general sense of fullness, and extends the sensation between meals, reducing overall appetite.
3. Better bone health. Bone structure, strength, and elasticity are all helped by the great combo of iron, zinc, vitamin K, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, and manganese found in blueberries.
4. Smoother skin. Say so long to some extra wrinkles thanks to the vitamin C that helps collagen improve overall skin texture, and acts as an antioxidant to help prevent skin damage from the sun and pollution.
5. Lower blood pressure. Blueberries contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which naturally decrease blood pressure. They do not include sodium, the concerning element connected to a high BP.
Here are five tasty ways to add more blueberries into your diet:
Toss Them in Fresh
A handful can be added to a salad, smoothie, oatmeal, or any number of other meals that could use a boost.
Breakfast: Vanilla Blueberry Yogurt Parfait
Take an idea from above for your first meal of the day, or prepare these delicious single-serving breakfasts.
Baked Goods: Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Muffins
Lemon and blueberries are both beneficial for your health. Enjoy the combo in this gluten-free side.
Snacks: Frozen Red, White & Blue Yogurt Bites
Take a break from Fourth of July activities with these colorful, cool morsels.
Dessert: Blueberry Mini Tarts
Enjoy a healthier dessert, and limit your sweets consumed— unless you pop too many!
Note: Beware of food that’s blueberry-flavored. It often doesn’t include actual blueberries. We want the real deal! And remember to hold off on washing the “dusty” fruit until you’re ready to eat them (to make them longer-lasting), and watch their juice; blueberries are a natural dye.
Sources: Medical News Today, Health.com and WebMD
